TNT Sports pundit Robbie Savage attracted criticism for a baffling claim about Mason Mount as Manchester United surged into the Europa League final.
United’s place in the final looked all but secured after they thumped 10-man Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the first leg in Spain.
But Ruben Amorim’s side, who scored two extra-time goals to beat Lyon in the last round, trailed at Old Trafford in the second leg through Mikel Jauregizar’s opener.
Bilbao threatened to score again and pile the pressure on United before the hosts scored four goals in the final 20 minutes to win 4-1 on the night and 7-1 on aggregate.
Mount settled the nerves with Manchester United’s first goal just 10 minutes after coming off the bench before Casemiro headed home a second.
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Rasmus Hojlund, who has endured a difficult season at Old Trafford, added United’s third before Mount scored a brilliant fourth from nearly the halfway line after the Bilbao goalkeeper came off his line and lost the ball.
It was heartwarming to see ex-England star Mount with a smile on his face following his frustrating spell at United since a £60m move from boyhood club Chelsea.
Fans were delighted to see Mount showcase his talent following his struggles but could not ignore a dubious claim from Savage.
‘I think it’s been the best 30 minutes of his career,’ the former Premier League midfielder said on TNT Sports. ‘What a performance from Mason Mount!
‘What a substitution. They were struggling there but Mount scored two world-class goals.’
Fans were quick to point out that Mount not only won the Champions League at Chelsea but provided the assist for Kai Havertz’s winner against Manchester City in 2021.
Mount thanks Man Utd fans for support
Much was expected of Mount following his big-money move to Manchester United as he arrived as one of the most influential attacking midfielders in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old scored made 195 appearances for Chelsea and helped the Blues reach four Wembley finals as well as lifting the Champions League trophy.
But Mount only made 14 league appearances during his first season at Old Trafford and has continued to struggle with injury problems this term.
A brace this evening and a goal in Sunday’s Premier League defeat to Brentford takes Mount’s United tally up to four since his move from Chelsea.
‘It was too long [waiting for a night like that],’ Mount said. ‘I carried on going, working hard in training every day and tried to stay positive and when I had an opportunity to try to make an impact.
‘Today it paid off and I came on and affected the game. It was a tight game when I came on, I just tried to calm it down.
‘The crowd has been unbelievable, they have stuck with us. For me, these were my first goals at Old Trafford, a night I’ve been waiting a long time for. To go back to Bilbao is a special moment and we want to finish strongly.’
On his sensational second goal, Mount added: ‘When I saw him [the goalkeeper] come out I had it in my head if it comes to me, “first touch and shoot”.
‘I didn’t want it to come on my left foot and then I was just trying to get it on target, same with the first goal, create the turn and try to get it in the net.’
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